Student Internships FAQ

What programs does USAID offer students?

Students of all levels will find that the U.S. Agency for International Development is a rewarding place to acquire skills that will last a lifetime. We have a variety of programs, from volunteer internship positions to fellowships, all of which allow students the ability to participate in projects vital to the success of U.S. foreign policy. Overseas or in Washington D.C., there may be a student program that matches your background and will help you to achieve your goals.

What are the basic qualifying factors to be eligible to participate in this program?

U.S. Citizenship

Current Enrollment in a College or University;

A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0

Volunteer Student Intern vacancies are posted on this site when opportunities are available. Please review the vacancies along with additional qualifications and apply to any that interest you by e-mailing the contact person(s) listed. Send a resume, cover letter of your interest and possible dates of involvement.

Can I participate in a Student Program if I am not a U.S. Citizen?

The programs on this site are for students who are U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may apply for programs available through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), at http://exchanges.state.gov

What are some of the responsibilities assigned to Interns?

The work normally assigned to an intern in most of the office divisions consists primarily of research, the writing of memoranda and the drafting and review of documents. USAID interns are regularly included in the bi-weekly meetings of the entire legal staff, during which current issues relating to USAID in general, and to specific foreign assistance programs in particular, are presented and discussed.

Interns may work in one of the Agency Regional Bureaus: Africa, Asia and Near East, Europe and Eurasia, or Latin America and the Caribbean or in one of the technical sectors such as Democracy, Economic Growth) , Education, Humanitarian Assistance, and Global Health.

What are the benefits to becoming a student intern at USAID?

Although USAID cannot offer compensation for legal internship work, many legal interns arrange with their schools for credit and/or financial assistance for the time they spend at the agency.

How do I apply?

There are different application processes and deadlines for each student internship and fellowship available at the U.S. Agency for International Development. Some positions require you to be nominated for application; others you can initiate on your own. We suggest you read through the various opportunities to see which one is the best match for you. At the end of each description is information, or a link to information, that will describe in detail the position's specific qualifications, application processes, vacancy announcements, and deadlines.

I am not sure which Student Program is right for me. How can I decide?

Spend some time with us on this site. You just might be taking the first step toward making an important and rewarding career decision. Competitive candidates for Student Internships have foreign language ability and are full- or part-time junior, senior or graduate students completing studies relevant to the type of work in which they are interested. 60 or more semester hours, or 90-quarter hours must be completed by the time the internship begins.

A broad range of academic majors is sought in areas such as Business, Public Administration, Social Work, Economics, Information Management, Journalism and Biological, Physical or Engineering Sciences; intern duties and responsibilities vary according to office assignment, from scientific/ technical tasks to administrative projects to logistical support.